Holding device for dispensing tube

ABSTRACT

This device is a thin, single piece, plastic item formed to be compliant to the radial surface of an aerosol spray can. It is adaptable for application in the manufacturing/distribution process or as a retrofit item applied by an aftermarket user. It has a resilient spring-clip embodiment that provides easy, repeatable slide-motion removal and replacement of a dispensing tube. The stowage position coupled with the user-friendly, single-handed, quick removal and replacement of the dispensing tube eliminates frustrating time lost when time may be critical. The device has an additional embodiment. The area surrounding the spring-clip is ideal advertising space.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention is a device to hold a dispensing tube in a vertical stowage position on the exterior vertical surface of an aerosol spray can. It can be applied as an added original manufacturing equipment item or as a user retrofit device.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] In recent years a number of devices intended to hold one or more dispensing tubes to aerosol spray cans have been presented for U.S. Patent processing. They have provided a variety of ring shapes with clips, sheaths and tethering lines as methods of securing or holding dispensing tubes in stowage on or near an aerosol spray can. The majority of these devices are complex, multi-part, protruding devices that are limited to aftermarket application.

[0005] One example of a limited applications device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,985 issued to Brody. This is a complex multi-part device that is limited to aftermarket application due to manufacturing configuration, assembly and packaging difficulty. It is further limited by user difficulty to position, place and replace the dispensing tube into the relatively fixed vertical aperture of the device.

[0006] A limited example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,678 issued to Willey. This device is also limited to aftermarket application with complex provisions for multiple dispensing tube placement. This configuration complexity adds difficulty to assembly, packaging and user positioning and placement. Dispensing tubes are placed under a protruding loop and pressed into fixed vertical slots.

[0007] A limited example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,767 issued to Riley, et al. This device provides a ring about the aerosol spray can with an integral protruding flexible line having an eyelet at the distal end. The dispensing tube is placed through the eyelet and is thus held in tethered proximity to the aerosol spray can. This device, although simple, is fragile and limited to aftermarket application.

[0008] A limited example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,129 issued to Markos. This device is a vertical clip-on apparatus with an extended flexible line with an eyelet at the distal end to limit the travel of dispensing tube. This device, when attached, is fragile with a protruding configuration and is limited to aftermarket application.

[0009] A limited example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,084 issued to Yale, et al. A tube device is attached in a vertical position on the aerosol spray can. This open tube device has limited holding potential if the spray can is displaced from the normal vertical position. The protruding configuration of this device further limits it to aftermarket application.

[0010] Another limited example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,783 issued to Conigliaro. This device has protruding receiver configurations that limits it to aftermarket application. It is, otherwise, a simple and effective device for securing dispensing tubes.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0011] Disadvantages inherent to known devices have been outlined. The need for a uniquely simple, efficient device have been pronounced. The present invention has been developed with diligent consideration toward satisfying these major function conditions: 1) offer a device with a simple, easy method of application to a subject spray can; 2) provide a device that allows simple, single-handed, quick release and repeated problem free re-application of a dispensing tube; 3) provide a device that is conformably compatible for application as an item of production packaging or as an aftermarket retrofit device; and 4) provide an option for a uniquely obvious and inexpensive promotional display area surrounding the spring-clip feature of the device.

DRAWING DESCRIPTIONS

[0012] Drawing FIG. 1. An elevation perspective drawing displays the general placement of the holding device (1) to the aerosol spray can (2). The lateral spring-clip (3) with a V-formed retainer (4) providing the secure stowage position for the dispensing tube (5). The turned-out radius end (6) of the spring-clip allowing the user a fast and easy slide-motion (7) for removal and replacement of the dispensing tube. The surface area surrounding the spring-clip (3) is a result of the backside area required for adherence of the device. The resulting front-surface area provides ideal advertising space (8). 

What is claimed is:
 1. A unique single piece holding device for dispensing tubes consisting of: a single piece, formed plastic appliance; an integral spring-clip with a V-formed retainer groove; an outward projecting radius lip at the distal end of the spring-clip; an abundant surface for backside adherence consideration and resulting front side advertising space. 